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beloved Airline credit cards Granting some amazing perks to cardholders to ensure they keep a place of pride in their wallet for these cards — and they're willing to pay the typically expensive annual fees. One of the most exclusive and rewarding benefits is the escort certificate. We'll walk you through Delta Companion certification today.
If you have an eligible co-brand Delta credit card Which offers this feature, can essentially erase the cost of your Plus-One ticket so that you only have to pay taxes and fees. When used strategically, they can save you a significant amount and help you enjoy your trips more.
What are Delta Company certifications?
A companion certificate is a feature offered by some co-branded airline credit cards. In general, you are allowed to purchase one ticket for yourself at full price and obtain a second ticket (with certain restrictions) for a friend traveling on the same itinerary while paying only taxes and fees.
Depending on factors like routes and dates, this feature could potentially save you hundreds of dollars on that second ticket. Some well-known accompanying certificates in Travel credit card Space includes Southwest Companion Trailthe popular Alaska Companion fare from Alaska Airlines, and of course the Delta Companion certificate.
Delta offers two different companion certificates through four of its premium American Express cards — two on the personal side and two on the business side. These are as follows:
Because these cards are premium, they all have expensive annual fees. But besides the Annual Companion Card, these cards offer several other perks (like a free checked bag) that may help clear the cost of the annual fee for Delta frequent flyers who can maximize the benefits.
While both companion certificates are used in the same way, the one offered on the SkyMiles Reserve, SkyMiles Platinum and SkyMiles Platinum Business cards is more restrictive and can only be used when traveling main cabin. In contrast, the certificate that comes with the Reserve Business card has no restrictions when it comes to the class of service you book, allowing you to choose which cabin you want to travel in, including first class.
To view rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, See this page
To view prices and fees Delta SkyMiles® American Express Business Card Booking, See this page
To view prices and fees Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, See this page
To view rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, See this page
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Bonus offered
Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on qualifying purchases with your new card within your first 6 months of card membership
| Annual fees | $650 |
| Normal April | 20.24%-29.24% variable |
How to use your Delta Companion certificates
Taking advantage of your utility certification couldn't be easier. Once you have the companion certificate from your eligible Delta Amex credit card — which happens when you renew your card each year — log into your Delta SkyMiles account and head to your profile. From there, click “Use electronic certificates and credits” and select the certificate check box before clicking “Continue.”
Delta.com
You'll be presented with a flight search engine much like any Delta flight search, but this engine comes pre-loaded with specific information for using your companion certificate, such as searching for passengers and pre-filtering any ineligible fare categories for which your certificate cannot be redeemed.
Delta.com
Depending on which card you have, you may have the option to select a First Class ticket or a Comfort+ ticket, which makes these certificates much more valuable. Otherwise, your certificates are limited to main cabin tickets, but you still save on the cost of the companion fare.
Delta.com
After selecting your flights, the checkout screen will show you the price of your two tickets. Note in the example below that $446.40 includes your full ticket plus taxes and fees for your companion only.
Delta.com
Delta will also remind you here in this section that your companion will not earn miles for their ticket, and if you cancel your ticket after purchase, you will not be able to reuse your companion's certificate.
How to obtain Delta Companion certificates
The only way to access the Delta Companion Certificate is to hold any of the four premium American Express cards that include the Annual Certificate as a cardholder benefit.
Get Delta Companion certification for the main cabin
Delta Reserve, Delta SkyMiles Platinum, or Platinum Business American Express cardholders receive a certificate valid for a main cabin or roundtrip flight to a domestic, Mexican, Caribbean or Central American destination each year after renewing their card.
You'll pay $650 per year for the Reserve, $350 per year for the Platinum Card and the same $350 per year for the Business Card.
Wondering if SkyMiles Platinum is the right card for you? Here are our instructions on how to analyze whether Delta SkyMiles Platinum is worth it Or not.
Get a Delta Companion certificate good for first class
Delta Reserve Business American Express cardholders receive the most valuable certificates, allowing them to redeem a First Class, Comfort+, or a main cabin roundtrip to a domestic, Caribbean or Central American destination each year after renewing their card. The card is also $650 annually.
However, while the price may shock you, note that this card also comes with access to the coveted Delta Sky Club (conditions apply). Delta's loyal frequent flyers probably won't find another card that can match these two brands in terms of luxury perks.
How much will taxes and fees cost?
No matter which card you have, your companion certificate allows you to get your ticket at full price, and for a friend or family member traveling with you, you only pay taxes and fees. For domestic flights, you can expect to pay up to $80 USD round-trip, and for international flights, taxes and fees can be up to $250 USD for a round-trip.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Bonus offered
Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on qualifying purchases with your new card during your first 6 months of card membership
| Annual fees | $350 |
| Normal April | 20.24%-29.24% variable |
Ready meals
For cardholders who don't see the hefty annual fees from Delta's premium credit cards as a barrier to enjoying the benefits they grant, the accompanying certificate alone can bring enough value to make holding one of these cards worthwhile. The money you save on your travel buddy's airline ticket could potentially offset the annual fee if you know how to redeem your certificate, making any other credits and benefits on your card a total win.
Frequently asked questions
Can I redeem miles for my ticket when using a companion certificate?
No, when using an escort certificate, you must pay for your own ticket using your American Express card. You will not be able to redeem Delta SkyMiles to cover your ticket in this case.
Do Delta Companion certificates expire?
Yes. Your utility certificate will have an expiration date. You must book and complete your trip by the stated expiry date.
Can I use my companion certificate on first class flights?
Depending on which Delta credit card you have, you will be able to take advantage of these certificates for first class flights. If you hold Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business, your companion certificate is good not only for main cabin but also for first class and Comfort+, and you can redeem it for round-trip domestic, Mexican, Caribbean or Central America flights.
However, if you have Delta SkyMiles Reserve, Delta SkyMiles Platinum, or Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business, your companion certificates only allow them to be used on main cabin flights to the same destinations.
Can I earn miles or MQD points when using my Delta Companion certificate?
Anyone booked as the primary traveler – the person paying the full price of the ticket – will earn miles as they normally would. However, their companion will not have a mileage accumulation ticket because they are traveling on a non-qualifying fare.
Can I use my Delta Companion certificate for someone else?
Yes, you can gift a companion certificate, because you don't need to be the primary passenger – you're essentially booking the primary and companion tickets for two people who aren't you.
Keep in mind that both passengers traveling on this companion booking must travel on the exact same flights and on the same dates in order to use the companion certificate.
Eligibility level and benefits vary by card. Terms, conditions and restrictions apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Guaranteed by AMEX Insurance Company.
Please note that card details are accurate as of the date of publication, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact your card issuer to verify rates, fees and benefits before applying.
